When are you going to do a book on the post war Fletcher's, so I can eliminate better than half the questions I direct your way?

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Yes the 1940-41 BENSON kit has the stacks for both BENSON and GLEAVES class.

For a “as completed” USS KEARNY pre-King Board Air Defence Upgrades, the 1940 BENSON kit would be a good base kit.

For USS KEARNY in October 1941, the base kit recommendation is different. The biggest issue you will have is that in October 1941, USS KEARNY had four 5-in mounts and twelve 50-cal MGs. None of the DML BENSON-GLEAVES dual-class kits have that configuration. I would suggest that because you will need a half-shield w/canvas top 5-in mount (not in the 1940 BENSON kit), to try and get a USS LIVERMORE 1942 kit. There is little advantage starting with the 1940 BENSON kit.

You will need to construct the bulwarks for six 50-cal MG’s on the aft deckhouse and for two more atop the pilot house.

[quote, ...if the Dragon USS Benson in 1/350 scale contains the Livermore stacks, as well as those for Benson? Dragon is known for loading a lot of unused parts in their kits, and my reason for asking is that I want to do Kearny pre-war and the Benson kit seems to be the best starting place. My Plan B is to do Kearny as she appeared in October 41 when she ran afoul of a U Boat. Probably Livermore herself would be the one to start with in that instance.

I am on the hunt for either at this point. Anyone wishing to sell one or the other post such here, along with an e-mail address where you can be contacted.